Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba has joined Manchester United from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Premier League giants announced on Tuesday. He joins Belgium’s Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos of Brazil in a new-look United midfield after veteran Casemiro left at the end of last season. The 22-year-old is the third midfielder signed by the Red Devils during the summer transfer window. His reported £70 million ($95 million) fee takes United’s spending on midfield reinforcements to more than £150m in this window.
“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration,” the 20-time Premier League champions said in a statement.
United had been interested in signing Baleba a year ago following two impressive seasons for Brighton, but baulked at the south coast club’s asking price. His last season was far less impressive, but that did not put off the Old Trafford club. “During the 2024/25 season, his combined number of tackles and interceptions was the sixth-highest among midfielders in the league, while he also ranked fourth-highest for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes.
“Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League,” said United. “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” said Baleba. “Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further,” said United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who also pointed to Baleba’s determination to join the club.
